If you’re driving along MI-28 between Marquette and Munising in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, be sure to stop at Au Train Bech. Au Train Beach is a scenic, peaceful, and stunning stop along Lake Superior’s southern shore. The beach is located just 30 miles east of Marquette and 8 miles west of Munising. This beautiful beach is a scenic Lake Superior waypoint along MI-28.
Lake Superior Facts
Known in the Ojibwe language as the Great Gitche Gumee, Lake Superior is the largest freshwater lake in the world by surface area and third largest in the world by volume! This represents 10% of the WORLD’s fresh water. Bordered by Canada to the north and the United States to the south, Lake Superior is jointly managed by the International Joint Commission (IJC).
The largest of the Great Lakes, Lake Superior is over 1300 feet deep, with an average temperature of 36 degrees Fahrenheit. The lake is oligotrophic, meaning that it is lower in nutrients and overall productivity. Oligotrophic lakes have abundant oxygen at depth, and clear, cold water.
Au Train Beach | Michigan
Au Train Beach is located within the Hiawatha National Forest in Alger County, Michigan. The Au Train river enters Lake Superior, bringing slightly warmer water into Lake Superior. With an average depth of 2-3 feet, the river has a sandy bottom, making it a popular destination for kayaking and swimming. Au Train Beach is pet -friendly, family-friendly, and a beautiful way to spend a day!
Weather on Lake Superior’s Southern Shore
Weather in the Lake Superior basin can be highly variable. Outdoor recreation is best between May and September in the Upper Peninsula, with warm days and cool nights. For a current forecast and weather conditions, check Marquette’s National Weather Service website for real-time updates. Additionally, the Great Lakes Guide is a resource for current weather conditions and water quality data, when available.
Au Train Beach Access
Just off of MI-28, a paved parking area is available at the entrance to Au Train Beach. There are several sandy paths with railings leading to the beach and river mouth. I’ve included a few photos below from Au Train Beach, including an informational sign detailing the history of Lake Superior, Au Train picnic shelter, and sandy path to the beach.
Au Train Beach | Campgrounds
If you’re looking for a great campground nearby, Au Train Beach Campground is a beautiful option! The campground is located at E4947 State Highway MI-28. This scenic spot offers safari tents, yurts, and tipis. Additionally, it is open to rustic campers (walk-ins).
North Country National Scenic Trail
Visitors can access the North Country National Scenic Trail near Au Train at the junction of H01/Rock River Rd. & Forest Rd. 2276, or via the Munising Interagency Visitor Center.
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore | Munising, Michigan
The stretch of Lake Superior shoreline between Marquette and Munising is scenic, remote, and beautiful. Continuing east from Au Train Beach to Munising, Michigan, you will find the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.
Located 43 miles east of Marquette along State Highway M-28, Munising is home to a population of about 20,000 and a warm, welcoming vibe. Munising offers visitors access to remote shoreline trails, scenic viewpoints, and beaches along the southern Lake Superior shore. Grand Island National Recreation Area and Hiawatha National Forest are worth exploring as well!
To learn more about the stunning Lake Superior shoreline in Munising, check out my blog post on the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. I’ve included detailed information on sights, trails, fees, and amenities in and around Munising: Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore | Explore Munising, Michigan.
Enjoy your visit to this scenic Lake Superior beach!
-Erin
